Australia's decisive action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.
The European Trend
Across Europe, a growing number of countries are considering parallel measures.
- The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy may be enacted in the coming year.
- The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
- Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media users. Officials have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
- In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to approve a proposal raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
- In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
- The administration in The Netherlands has urged families to restrict their kids from social media until 15.
For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.
"A strong age barrier is a useful starting point," said one MEP behind the initiative.
The UK: A Watchful Eye
In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".
Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the matter.
Campaign organizations have raised warnings. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing platform posts contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people become eligible.
"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and fit for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate.
The United States: A Decentralized Approach
Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the local government level due to national gridlock.
- Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
- Florida has passed a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
- Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
- Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.
Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain politicians to follow this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.
International Outlook
Apart from these regions, other nations are likewise exploring options.
- The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
- Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.
Yet, international organizations adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.
As this international discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers show that states around the world are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.
